Tesla does not have dealers, they have stores FYI. Calgary does not yet have a service center in Calgary either. I haven't quite figured out what I'll do if the car is totally disabled, it's kind of tough at that point because I don't think there is enough roadside assistance in any program to tow my car 750 km. The other issue is if the car is disabled it won't be that easy for me to load onto a trailer to tow it to 80 km away from Calgary. I do have an ICE pickup and could rent a trailer so that's not totally out of the question. My gas and trailer rental would be a heck of a lot less than $1,500. Heck even adding in a flight back to Calgary to pick up my car would still be way less than $1,500.
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3s-a-charm
Active Member
green1
Active Member
Read the fine print, they say they'll bring you some gas, that won't help you much. .. that said, they don't tend to ask why you need a tow really, so I guess you're still OK there.
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On a side note, I heard from tesla today about the Ranger visit, I guess they haven't totally forgotten about me. They're supposed to get to me on Wednesday.
int32_t
Tesla Spotter
Tesla is having a test drive event in Edmonton this weekend, the first ever as far as I know. I had RSVPed for a test drive but didn't hear anything (standard issue Tesla communication, I suppose). I dropped by since I was going past anyway. The Tesla rep said response was "overwhelming," with hundreds of folks wanting to go for a drive! I suggested this might be a subtle hint that Edmonton needs its own Store and Service Centre. :wink: The rep also indicated there's going to be another test drive event in the near future as a result of the response. Perhaps they don't have the resources to call everybody, but an email saying, "We're full" would be at least a common courtesy.
I wasn't the only one who came unannounced. I wasn't there long, but some others came and looked at the cars, and a rep showed them the screen and whatnot. Can't wait to see more Teslas in Edmonton!
I wasn't the only one who came unannounced. I wasn't there long, but some others came and looked at the cars, and a rep showed them the screen and whatnot. Can't wait to see more Teslas in Edmonton!
beeeerock
Active Member
These are the trials and tribulations of being an early adopter. As far as poor response from Vancouver SC goes, I've seen how busy that place is (as many of us have)... and how confined their space is. Cars are bumper to bumper, several deep - move three to get to one. The phone is going non-stop and office staff are constantly moving. I believe that they have retreated to a combination of triage and axle lube.... that is, the worst problems get attention first, followed by the squeaky wheels (who need the axle lube!). Much like the medical system in BC, you have to fight for your place in line. Not the best scenario, but given that much of the service centre work seems to be associated with new deliveries, it's a good problem for Tesla to have. If the company succeeds, growth will follow. That doesn't help us today, but at least we can look towards better (and more local) service in the future.
Exactly. All they need to know is that the car is disabled. The main thing is that if any of us have mechanical/electrical failure far outside of Calgary, the 80km Tesla tow is not going to cut it.
3s-a-charm
Active Member
@green1, they said they will get back to you on Wednesday or that there will be a Ranger here on Wednesday? I'm hoping for the latter...
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@beeeerock, didn't Vancouver Service recently move to a new/improved Service Center that could handle much more than the current one? I called the other day and even local cars there are booking service into March. Perhaps Elon will have to revisit his mantra of not profiting from Service. Sometimes I would rather pay more and get it done sooner.
I agree, mostly. I have my fingers and toes crossed for Zapped and his forthcoming Model X, that it be a trouble free experience (I think they will go above and beyond initially to handle any issues, if needed).
Just to add, my post was mostly fueled by them wanting to charge shipping on the battery. Had that never come up (either they got back to me quicker so standard shipping would have worked, or if they offered initially to cover the overnight charge/never mentioned it), I would have gotten off the phone in a better piece of mind. Its far from ideal having to now drive to Calgary, but it is somewhat the price of being an early adopter. I have mild hope (a little bit at least) that for an Edmontonian with a nonfunctional car, they may agree to adjust their fee (since driving to Calgary wouldn't be an option).
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A rep did reaffirm that the SC would be opening in the first half of 2016 (although still no location picked). There was also mention made that Chinook may be getting the superchargers (and not the service center). That was a point of conflict within Tesla apparently (and all this from a Rep who may not really know whats going on). It was also reaffirmed that Chinook has been/will be an expensive store/place to put chargers.
green1
Active Member
yes, ranger on Wednesday. Originally they were going to "get right back to me" two weeks ago, but now finally I have an appointment.
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I seriously question the service centre timeline and as for the supercharger, they'd have trouble picking a worse place for it than chinook, traffic is a disaster into that mall at the absolute best of times, and there's so little parking that iceing is all but guaranteed. If they want a mall location, Crossiron is right on the ring road,and has lots of parking, they could pick a hotel off 16th if they prefer, or some mall way down south, but chinook will be convenient for almost nobody trying to travel through, and too busy.
My vote for a Supercharger location in Calgary is Deerfoot Casino. Used to live close by; lots of parking, good access off Deerfoot/Stoney Trail, something to do while you wait, restaurant, etc. Not quite central, but not too bad. Canadian Tire on 130 Ave SE would be good too, lots of restaurants around although not sure about stuff open 24/7. Hopefully not Chinook.
McMuggets
Member
I feel like I should put things into context here. The problems most people experience are actually quite minor. We Tesla owners are a different bunch, and the type of person who usually reads up and purchases a Tesla isn't "normal" in many ways. We have a perfection attitude to some extent. The early-adopter nature of all of us owners (yes, we are still early adopters of this new tech!) means that some problems concerning the car and service should usually be expected.
Since owning the car almost a year ago now, I have had only one very minor problem with my sunroof getting stuck. Not a big deal, the ranger came out on one of his visits to Calgary to my garage and took care of it while I had my afternoon latte. He didn't even want me to make him one, even when I insisted, hah. Regarding the 12V battery issues, it is well documented and yes Tesla needs to either find a new supplier or start making these things themselves. Also, maybe make the 12V battery replacement easier, so that owners can just replace it when needed from buying it at some store like Canadian Tire. It really is a small thing, but can cripple the car. Maybe give the owners a second one at annual service even if their current one hasn't failed?
I know for a fact that my new gas car, bought in 2011, needed far more service and oil change even 6 months from my purchase date. Dumb things like my cabin air fan not blowing high enough due to a faulty fan on the drivers side... etc. Not only that, I had to do the usual song and dance and say "no" to Mr. Lube about "your cabin air filter, your differential fluid, your transmission fluid, let's use the best synthetic oil at double the price, do you want a engine flush, and the all important "preemptive coolant flush". Even when it's not due according to the manufacturer, they suggest it to you. Your experience may vary depending on the Mr. Lube you go to... and I hated going to the dealer to get oil changes because they want you to drop your car off in the morning... wait around or come pick it up end of day or next day. Rather just pay up for the speed. And lastly, yes my 12V battery in my gas car died on me too... in 9 months of ownership. Happened right in the morning, right before I had to leave for work.... making me rush around to find a way to get to work and of course arrive late. These were problems that I just accepted as "normal" because I had a lower standard for gas-cars.
I understand that other people have had more or less issues, but my 2015 Model S has so far been the lowest maintenance and worry-free car I have ever owned, period! For those reading the last few pages of this thread, don't let these issues deter you from buying a Tesla. We Tesla owners are high-standard people.... and there will always be something to complain about. This super sedan is completely worth it! Think about it... a $150K gas car will give you just as many if not more issues. A 12V battery dying is hardly the thing to worry about compared to engine issues, alternator, and many other parts in an ICE vehicle with time.
beeeerock
Active Member
They apparently have a new location being renovated in the Kitsilano neighbourhood (I think) that will be both a store and a service centre (and a supercharger??). I have not heard that it's open yet, so assume it's not. I heard a rumour that they are thinking about keeping the original SC location in operation, but don't know how true that might be. It would make sense though, if they have a capacity problem (which they will as more cars are sold).
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Agreed. We have very high standards. And certainly, ICE cars have their share of problems and then some. The final straw for me was a 'discussion' I had with my local M-B dealership service department. The outcome was that I simply couldn't see myself working through warranty issues on a new car with them... the Tesla was a better bet! I went home and hit 'order'.
Unfortunately, as the Tesla becomes more mainstream, expectations will also change and the bit of slack we give Tesla may not be acceptable to new owners. If the service centres are built out in an orderly fashion to alleviate these concerns, it should all work out. If they aren't, I expect there will be some problems...
I'm a bit conflicted... It is very true that some cars have more/less issues than others. Many of the issues are indeed relatively minor, but some are of a bit more significance. As a brief recap, the issues I've had in just over 1 year of ownership:
Sunroof not opening on first try (periodically) - very minor
door handle failure - minor for me, but depends on what door fails (and your lifestyle... if your kids cant get in the car, even a rear door is a big deal)
Air leak in driver & passenger "windows" - minor, but quite annoying in our winter climate on road trips
Squeaky seat (both from side bolster and bolt issue) - minor, but embarrassing when trying to demonstrate this great car
charge port failure - serious* - there was a workaround, that when finally shared, took it to a minor annoyance level, but until then, being unable to charge is rather crippling
12v battery issues - minor if detected in time - i had a 2 bmws and they needed their 12v batteries replaced every winter or two, but that was easy, take the car in to the local service center <loaner cars even available for those that need them>)
and my newest issue: issue with steering system - apparently I need the upper control arm (I think thats the name) replaced. Doable by ranger (a fair size job). Had it been the lower control arm, it would require the car get shipped back to Vancouver as the battery needs to be removed. - Significant
Maybe I'm the odd car that has 'lots' of problem, I don't know. Up until recently, I very much accepted the issues as part of being an early adopter (but at some point, Tesla won't get that pass from new customers). My main issue isn't the problems the car has, it is the change in policy in dealing with them outside Calgary/areas with service centers. So in just over 3 months I will have had 3 non trivial issues that needed timely ranger service (charge port, 12v battery replacement <this perhaps could have waited, but had it the next issue could have been put off too long resulting in more issues>, and now this steering control arm. Tesla made a concession on my charge port, and I drove the car to calgary (8hr of my time) for the 12v, and i'm unsure what will happen with the steering issue. Either its another 8+hours out of my life driving to calgary (and waiting for likely several hours for that larger repair job), or possibly getting charged the new ranger fee. I think new owners really need to be aware of the servicing and costs/time potentially involved in the Tesla ownership experience.
I really hope the new Calgary service center results in another, favorable change of policy for us owners not in Calgary (of course, a favorable policy change sooner would be fantastic also!!)
green1
Active Member
This is the big issue. Tesla has done their best to make sure that only they are allowed to repair their vehicles, and coupled that with a very sparse repair network and expensive options for their technicians to travel.
This is easily fixed, and wouldn't be a problem from any other car manufacturer in the world. They simply need to let someone else work on their cars. Quit this BS about locking down parts purchasing, stop this BS about needing proprietary software that they won't release to do any work, stop this BS about not allowing anyone other than their own employees in to the service menus, and let people fix these cars.
There's not a thing on the Tesla that a normal repair shop couldn't handle, if they were allowed to.
SMSMD
Active Member
Meet Model X Tour Dates
| MARCH 12 – MARCH 15 | Vancouver, BC | COMING SOON |
| MARCH 17 – MARCH 22 | Toronto, ON | RSVP TO THE EVENT |
| MARCH 8 – MARCH 13 | Montréal, QC | RSVP TO THE EVENT |
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Meet Model X | Tesla Motors
So update to my 12v battery issue / ranger policy fun...
The ranger was great to deal with as usual. The battery swap was fast (everything would have been even quicker, but we got talking 'tesla'). He uploaded the latest software to the car, and he also looked into a noise coming from my steering. Seems my upper control arm needs to be replaced. So I get to 'fight' with Vancouver about the ranger fee to get the work done in edmonton in a few weeks, or I get to ask one of you Calgarians for use of your garage for the day, spend the ~8 hours travelling, and likely hang out while the work is being done, as it sounds like a big job that may take several hours.
Note 1: The ranger thought I couldn't (yet) install the update as the car was still blacklisted. I tempted fate and started the install, and it was just fine.
Note 2: You don't charge at all during an install (and heat doesn't work for periods of time). So I was stuck at Crossfield longer than I really needed to be.
The ranger was great to deal with as usual. The battery swap was fast (everything would have been even quicker, but we got talking 'tesla'). He uploaded the latest software to the car, and he also looked into a noise coming from my steering. Seems my upper control arm needs to be replaced. So I get to 'fight' with Vancouver about the ranger fee to get the work done in edmonton in a few weeks, or I get to ask one of you Calgarians for use of your garage for the day, spend the ~8 hours travelling, and likely hang out while the work is being done, as it sounds like a big job that may take several hours.
Note 1: The ranger thought I couldn't (yet) install the update as the car was still blacklisted. I tempted fate and started the install, and it was just fine.
Note 2: You don't charge at all during an install (and heat doesn't work for periods of time). So I was stuck at Crossfield longer than I really needed to be.
lotuni
Member
@footbag Glad to hear the 12v issue is resolved but sounds like your in for more fun with the upper control arm!
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Alberta is going to have to wait.....
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Alberta is going to have to wait.....
SMSMD
Active Member
Thanks for sharing..hoping to see how Zapped X will be...haven't heard if any VIN's were assigned to the Canadian signatures...I am happy the Canadian production models are not yet called to Configure.I will order as soon as they are called but the delay from the company is a blessing in disguise as I am hoping not to have many problems especially with seats and doors as the kids have to be dropped to school and their games. Before Tesla I was looking to buy the New Audi Q7.
Zapped
Model S - PURE EV
Were you able to register for any of the Canadian events ? I'm trying to get in the Scottsdale event but the link must require some additional parameters to confirm it's coming from a Model X reservation holder. Otherwise you get this
Our Delivery Specialist (DS) from Vancouver is assigned and he's trying to help but nothing confirmed quite yet.
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Footbag, let Vancouver know our shop / hoist is available. TESLA has used it in the past for other cars. I hate to say but there was a car with issues with a control arm 6 months ago that the Ranger must not have had the tools to remove. The car had to be sent to Vancouver. Hope that's not your situation.
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Crappy - I had to have my lower control arms replaced last summer. I think Alberta's pothole-y roads exceed Tesla's original testing parameters...
Replacing the LCAs requires dropping the battery pack (!!!), hopefully the uppers don't need that. Make sure that they do both sides, if one side is shot the other side won't be far behind, and if you're paying the tech to come for a visit you might as well get your money's worth.Similar threads
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